Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for improved connectivity among the SAARC nations. Addressing the SAARC summit at Kathmandu, Nepal, he said it is the great opportunity to improve people to people contact by forging direct AIR, Rail and Road Transport. Raising the issue of 26/11, Mr Modi said today, as we remember the horror of a terror attack in Mumbai in 2008 we see the endless pain of lost lives. Speaking on a range of issues of mutual trust and cooperation in relation to security, business and others he said let us work together to fulfill the pledge we have taken to combat terrorism and transnational crime.

Prime Minister said, the SAARC countries have so much to learn from each other. He said all member countries face the same challenge and we can fight together. Mr. Modi said at SAARC, we have failed to move with the speed that our people expect and want. He said, If all SAARC nations stand together our strength multiplies manifold. Mr. Modi also said India plans to launch satellite for the SAARC region by the SAARC Day in 2016. The two-day 18th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation started in Kathmandu, this morning with an agenda to improve connectivity among member states for boosting trade, collectively fighting the poverty and illiteracy. The theme of the summit is 'Deeper Regional Integration for Peace and Prosperity'. The inaugural session was formally inaugurated by Nepal Prime Minister Mr. Sushil Koirala in the presence of all heads of government from seven other member countries.